Harmony House' officially on the market

Guests arrive at the open house for “Harmony House” at the corner of Potter and Harmony alleys in West Chester. Proceeds from the house, listed at $339,000, will be given to Safe Harbor and the Friends Association in the borough. Photo by Jeremy Gerrard.

WEST CHESTER – Months of hard work and community collaboration culminated in celebration Wednesday night as local residents, politicians and other notables gathered to enjoy an open house ceremony at the Harmony House project.

Known as “Harmony House, a community partnership to benefit the homeless,” the home was built to raise money for local charities with the sale of the home.

“It turned out better than we could have expected, and it’s really due to all the contractors, architects and engineers who donated their time,” said Eli Kahn, local developer. “The quality of it is what’s impressive, it’s really high grade materials.”

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Located at the corner of Potter and Harmony alleys, the house was designed as a project of local developers Eli Kahn, Jack Loew and Gary Toll, who wanted to find a way to give back to the community.

All proceeds from the sale of the house will be given to Safe Harbor of West Chester and the Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children.

Seeing the project through to its completion were more than 30 local organizations that donated their time and materials to the construction.

The house is currently for sale with a listed price of $339,000.

“Today, October 10, is probably the most blessed day that Safe Harbor could experience,” said Glenn Fricke, executive director of Safe Harbor. “I have been in this field for 40 years and have never seen a county give back so much and individuals give back so much as these developers have.”

Fricke said he thinks community collaborations like this will become models to help non-profits like Safe Harbor and the Friends Association survive.

Glenda Brion, development coordinator for the Friends Association, thanked everyone for coming to the event Wednesday, noting how much the money will help their organizations give to those in need.

“There is an incredible need, and unfortunately it has grown in the last few years,” Brion said. “We are seeing a need all the time. This money will help us provide more services to those folks, which then provides a better community for us to live in as well.”

Designed in the style of a carriage house, the home comes complete with three bedrooms and 2½ bathrooms.

Kahn had said previously that developers entertained the idea of going to an organization such as Habitat for Humanity, but decided instead to direct the money to local charities.

Executive committee member Helen Semus said Safe Harbor can no longer count on consistent money from the county or state, making the developers’ efforts all the more appreciated.

Semus said Safe Harbor is looking to put together an advisory team to develop a proper sustainable financial plan.

“Isn’t it so amazing that everyone can come together from the community,” Semus said. “A lot of good can come out of this. This is a great example of working together.”

Kahn and his partners are known for developing properties in the West Chester area, including 121 Walnut St., 313 W. Market St. and 220 E. Chestnut St.

Kahn recently acquired the county’s old courthouse property, including the North Wing on North High Street, the Mosteller Annex on North Church and West Gay streets, and two storefronts at 34 and 36 West Gay St.

Safe Harbor is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides food, shelter, counseling and recovery opportunities for homeless men and women in Chester County.

The Friends Association provides homeless families with a safe, clean place to stay and helps them cope with the stress and upheaval they’ve experienced.